The French basketball team, already qualified for the 2023 World Cup, won despite a failed start on Thursday in the Czech Republic (72-59) during the 11th day of the playoffs. Deprived of their NBA and Euroleague players, the Blues were able to count on their star Victor Wembanyama (19 years old, 2.21m) author of a double-double with 22 points and 17 rebounds to clinch their ninth victory in 11 met.
The top scorer in the French championship has taken care of his statistics sheet by adding six counterattacks and four interceptions, rising in power throughout the meeting to make his qualities speak for themselves. Vincent Collet’s players however experienced a catastrophic start to the match, signing a terrible 0/8 on the opening shot, to be led 21-3 after eight minutes. Facing them, the Czechs, not embarrassed to find the way to the basket and dominating the rebound, scored their first eight two-point shots.
Leading place to take
Shaken by their coach during downtime, the French recovered little by little to get back into the game (36-27 at the break). With more skill and above all more intensity, they had an easier second half and logically went ahead for the first time in the match on an alley-oop served by Paul Lacombe and concluded by Yoan Makoundou (44- 43, 28e).
The Monegasque, the only Euroleague player authorized to leave his club for this international window, showed himself to his advantage with ten points and eight rebounds. The opportunity to show off was also great for the leaders, with places to take for the 2023 World Cup organized from August 25 to September 10 in Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan.
Quiet end to the game
Sylvain Francisco (eight assists and six points) took advantage, as did Bourg-en-Bresse leader Hugo Benitez. The French, deprived of winger Terry Tarpey, left out of the group due to discomfort in the thigh, had a quiet end to the game and managed in the last quarter won 23-12.
The Blues will conclude their World Cup qualification campaign against Lithuania, at home on Sunday (6:00 p.m.), at the Arena Loire in Trélazé, where first place in the group will be at stake.